Quote by Iris Murdoch
Happiness is a matter of one's most ordinary everyday mode of consciousness being busy and lively and unconcerned with self. To be damned is for one's ordinary everyday mode of consciousness to be unremitting agonizing preoccupation with self.
Summary
This quote suggests that happiness is found when our state of consciousness is focused, energetic, and free from self-centered concerns. It implies that being constantly obsessed with oneself leads to suffering and damnation. In other words, when we are fully engaged in the present moment and selflessly connected to the world around us, we experience genuine happiness. On the contrary, being consumed by self-centered thoughts and worries prevents us from finding joy and fulfillment in life. The quote highlights the importance of shifting our perspective and embracing a mode of consciousness that transcends self-interest.
By Iris Murdoch